Federal regulators might block any efforts by Cigna to mix with Humana, although the businesses seem to have little apparent operational overlap, in accordance with Wells Fargo securities analysts.
Humana has an 18% share of enrollment within the Medicare Benefit market, and Cigna has only a 2% share in that market, in accordance with KFF.
However Stephen Baxter and different Wells Fargo analysts observe that Cigna has centered on constructing a giant share of the market within the states the place it does provide Medicare Benefit plans: It has a 25% share in Texas, a 15% share in Tennessee and a ten% share in Arizona.
“Latest antitrust enforcement has been fairly vigorous, and we might doubtless count on a comparatively drawn-out course of,” the analysts write.
What it means: Cigna and Humana might make a giant deal, however they may not. In the event that they do, and also you’re in Texas or Tennessee, it’s potential that any shoppers with Cigna Medicare Benefit plan protection will find yourself with a brand new protection supplier due to divestitures Cigna must make to get antitrust regulator approval for the deal.
The supply: The Wall Avenue Journal on Wednesday reported information of the talks in an unique article.
The businesses might announce a stock-and-cash deal by the tip of the yr, the paper reported, citing “individuals conversant in the matter.”
The businesses: Cigna is a Bloomfield, Connecticut-based firm that’s a giant participant within the company well being plan, well being care companies, dental plan, pharmacy advantages administration and Medicare Half D prescription drug protection markets.
It reported $1.8 billion in web earnings for the third quarter on $49 billion in income.
It supplies or administers main medical protection for 20 million individuals, together with about 600,000 Medicare Benefit plan enrollees.